Kieran Gibbs has hailed Arsenal midfielder Martin Odegaard as a ‘top, top player’ and the one who has been the main man for the Premier League title-chasers this season, as he told ESPN.

The former Arsenal academy product added that ‘everything’ goes through the club’s captain and he has been the consistent one for Mikel Arteta’s men.

After being named Arsenal captain in the summer, the performances of the 24-year-old have gone up a level, without a doubt.

After only 23 league games, he has already topped last season’s performances, with eight goals and seven assists to his name – he managed seven goals and four assists last term.

There is every chance that Odegaard, alongside Bukayo Saka and possibly Gabriel Martinelli, hit double figures in both the goals and assists department this term, which is some going.

But when Kieran Gibbs was asked to name one player, and one player only, as to who he thinks has been ‘the star’ for the north London club, he explained why it’s the man with the armband.

“If I had to pick anyone, then I would say Odegaard,” said Gibbs. “I think he has just been instrumental. Everything just goes through him.

“The consistency of his level of performance has just been outstanding and he’s a top, top player. I think I would give it to him.”

ODEGAARD LEADING BY EXAMPLE

The last two captains of Arsenal – Pierre-Emerick Aubameuang and Granit Xhaka – were stripped of their roles.

So, when Arteta handed the baton to Odegaard, fans were hoping this was the end of, whoever becomes captain, ending in a world of mess.

Now, Xhaka, to his credit, has managed to turn his situation around, but for the first time in a long time, the Gunners have a popular captain, one that is leading by example, and most importantly, performing.

Fabrizio Romano reveals who’s next in line for new Arsenal deal after Saka, Martinelli & Saliba

Arsenal are making Granit Xhaka one of their priorities for a new contract after settling the futures of Gabriel Martinelli, Bukayo Saka and William Saliba, according to Fabrizio Romano.

Writing exclusively in the Daily Briefing for CaughtOffside, Romano said that nothing was advanced between Xhaka and Arsenal for the moment, but that he was their next priority for a new deal and that talks would take place in the next few months.

Xhaka has shone for the Gunners this season, becoming one of their most improved players with some commanding midfield displays to help them to the top of the Premier League table.

Arsenal fans will surely be hoping the club can sort out the Switzerland international’s future as soon as possible, though it also makes sense that finalising new deals for Saka and Saliba, with Martinelli already done recently, remains the priority.

“Despite reports, talks are not advanced now. Xhaka is next in the list after Martinelli, Saka and Saliba, but the Saka deal has to be finalized and also Saliba is still in negotiations, so it will take some time before getting Xhaka extension done. It will be discussed in the next months,” Romano explained.

Arsenal remain two points clear at the top of the Premier League with a game in hand, so it certainly makes sense for Mikel Arteta to do his best to keep this current squad together.

Xhaka may have had his problems at the Emirates Stadium in the past, but he now looks like a real leader in the squad who can be a key part of their success in the future.

SOURCE: hitc, caughtoffside